The Oireachtas inquiry is hoping to receive confidential information from members of the public, which could prove instrumental in unravelling the events that led to the €64bn bank bailout.

Banking inquiry chairman Ciaran Lynch said a "confidential recipient" system will be put in place to receive information from whistleblowers.

"There will be an opportunity for people who wish to provide information on a confidential basis," he said.

"The confidential information will be subject to rules such as data protection laws, but there will be a platform for individuals who have information which may be of assistance to the inquiry," he added.

Mr Lynch pointed out that the inquiry was not a criminal investigation and could not investigate wrongdoing.

It is expected people will be able to make confidential submissions through a designated online portal linked to the current Oireachtas website.

The website will also include live streaming of the hearings.

There are also discussions under way between the Oireachtas and digital television providers about establishing a dedicated television station which would stream the highly anticipated hearings.

The nine-member Oireachtas committee has yet to be finalised but six nominees have been announced who will join chairman Mr Lynch.